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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001 or did we just become more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day?

I think that we just became more aware of the danger. I think it was always really there, they just never took the chance to try and strike us.

I don’t think that my life has really changed to much since that day. My heart bleeds for all those poor people and their families that lost their lives that day… I think maybe I am a bit more aware of my surroundings.

2. Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight?

Yes and no… I was not really a rebellious child until I was 17 and then I had already moved out of my house. (another story for another time) However, I think that the parts they were strict on was for the right reasons. I think that kids get away with to much now.. and few know what it means to be a family, or carry their own weight. This is a thing we are struggling with in our family right now, after moving back in with my mother to help her.. (my stepfather has Altimizers) and they have more responsibilities and are expected to do a lot more than they ever were before. However, I think that it is a good thing. (even if they don’t)

3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself.

I’m terrified of snakes, and love bright colors.

4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated?

Far to complicated.

5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?

Fries, and Fried dough, ooohh… and a sausage!

6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake...how many of these natural disasters have you experienced? Which event do you think would be the scariest?

2 Tornado’s, 2 Hurricanes, and 1 earth wake…

I would have to say the Tornado in Fl, was the scariest. I was younger and was not sure what to expect… it hit a mile from our house… I remember seeing the actually tunnel.

7. Labor Day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores? Were you paid for doing those chores? If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not?

No, I did not have regular chores per say… but I was expected to help when I was told to do something. Like haul wood, stack wood, garden, mow, rake, pick rocks, or help in the garage. (my dad was a mechanic)

No I did not get paid to do these things.

My kids do not have specific individual chores, because we have tried that many times, and it never works out. So instead they all make their bed, clean up their space, and do whatever needs to be done. And no they do not get paid for them. I have a love, hate relationship with paying them for them. I think that a child should understand it is part of being a family, and should not expect to be paid for it. I should not have to give them an incentive to do it, they should help because it is how a family works. If they go above and beyond, I don’t have a problem giving them a bit of money to put away…

8. Insert your own random thought here.

1)My random thought of the day… Hmm… Bad weeks, put you in a horrible mood, and its hard to get back out of it.

2) What is up with the crankiness and overly loss of hearing with my kids this week?? Or is it everywhere? Full Moon?? Crazy happenings?? Aliens invading??

Throw me a bone people… give me a reason to blame it on. (other than I’m just a crappy parent?)

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I was one of the lucky ones on the East Coast that got to experience Hurricane Irene. I never thought I’d see the day that a hurricane would hit the western side of Maine. WOW!

Luckily for us, it had pretty much diminished by the time it hit us. On Sunday morning, they downgraded it to a Tropical Storm. My heart and prayers go out with all the people who lost homes, lives, or had severe flooding in other states.

We was lucky it didn’t get to bad here. We had some winds, they say up to 60mph, but I don’t think it was quite that bad… Not exactly sure how much rain we got either, my dad is guessing around 6inches. Therefore, we had a few tree’s down, branches broken, and some flooding…but that was all. Here are a few pictures during Irene…..

The power only went out for us, for about an hour. (we are lucky, cause last I heard lots of people in Maine were still without power) During that time, the kids put puzzles together and stressed we wouldn’t be able to make dinner. Lucky for them, we have a propane stove, so that wasn’t a problem. Yay! We made homemade Mac & Cheese! Yum!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

In my life this week… It was made crazy.. Worked on getting things done, helped a friend.. and prepared for a Hurricane to hit. You?

In our homeschool this week… We had really difficult week. I’m not sure why.. they just fought me every inch of the way. I was kinda sad. We are trying to get back on track with positive attitudes this week.

I am inspired by… Many of the friends I have made online that homeschool. I like to read their stories, so I don’t feel like I’m the only one who has trouble.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… This week, we aren’t really going anywhere. We were suppose to go to a homeschool picnic, but due to weather we cancelled. People we are seeing, no one that I’m aware of.. Gonna stay close to home this week.

My favorite thing this week was… Was hanging out with my best friend, and my weekend away!

What’s working/not working for us… So far all of our curriculum is working well for us. Monkey man is struggling a bit with math, but not bad.. I’m happy that I was successful in picking out curriculum we would enjoy! Now I just need to find a couple more subjects we need to add in.

Questions/ Thoughts I have… What do any of you use for Health or Art? I’m looking for curriculum for those two subjects..

Things I’m working on… A list of books, I want us to read for this year. I love re reading the classic’s with my kids!

I’m reading… Nothing at the moment, time to go back and get another supply of books. But just found a cool site to download E-reader books, and MP3 Audiobooks.. as a loan from the library!

I’m cooking… I made homemade Mac & Cheese! Yummy!

I’m grateful for… my mom... When the kids are getting difficult while doing school, she will come in and help them or help put them back on track. She is a lifesaver sometimes! Love her!

I’m praying for… A much quieter week in the school room.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share… Don’t have one this week.. Check back with me next week.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

I have this thing about my kids getting their haircut. Well, I don’t mind Monkey Man getting his haircut, mostly cause he is one hairy dude! Lol… Speaking of which, he needs to get his shaved within the week.

Anyway, back to my point. The girls, have such pretty hair, and like any mom… I like to put it up in pretty braids, or pony tails. Well, Middle Monkey has never been a huge fan of her hair getting in her face, so she wanted it cut again. Today she decided to take a pretty big chunk off. Here she is half cut…

Then all done…

I have to say she looks pretty darn cute!!!

Now Little Monkey wants hers cut that short. I talked her out of it, cause she loves hers in braids. Phew! (escaped that one for now)

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Hmm… not really sure.. I guess, I would have to say folding laundry and putting it away properly. My kids like to just throw it in their dressers and shove the draw shut. Drives me nuts!

2. Do you think a 6th sense exists? Explain.

I think that there is something out there, that helps tell you when something is wrong. I struggle with this because even as a kid, I knew when something bad had happened. For example, at a very young age..(can’t remember the exact, I’m guessing around 5 or 6) my uncle died in motorcycle accident. I had this horrible feeling at the babysitters all day that something had happened to him. I heard people talking about a bike accident later in the day. I told my mom when she picked me up, and when we got home we found out what happened. How to explain that I don’t know. But it was freaky and I always have followed any feelings I’ve had since then.

3. Do you say your goodbyes slowly, quickly, or not at all?

Depends on who it is… most of the time quickly. I don’t like to linger, cause I know I will get upset if it is for any length of time. Normal goodbyes are quick and painless.

4. On a scale of 1-10, with ten being hot hot hot, what level of spice do you like in your food? What's your favorite 'spicy' dish?

I would have to say 2.. I’m a whimp and not big on spicy food. Which is strange cause I do love Mexican, but it can’t be to hot for me. Strange I know!

5. What is one of your all time favorite commercial jingles?

I really don’t know. I hate commercials, and really don’t watch much TV anymore. I can’t think of any off the top of my head.

6. Plane, train, boat or auto...your preferred method of travel?

I love to fly.. as does my son. Due to cost of flights and 5 people in our family now, I can't afford to fly much.

We would really like to try a train. I’m hoping maybe this next year we could.

Never been anywhere on a boat for a length of time, but I want us to take a cruise vacation at some point maybe 5 yrs down the road.

I’ve gotten really good at traveling by car over the past few years, so I would have to say this is our preferred due to cost restraint. As well as the fact that the kids really enjoy it, the are good, and we like to stop at new places.

7. What is something you take for granted?

Life in general. We all get busy in our daily life to stop and savor our lives. But they are taken from us in a split second. No time to say goodbye or that we love someone one last time. Treasure every moment, live like you have no tomorrow and ENJOY your life. You only have one, and it will be over before you know it.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I need to learn to take time for myself more. Money always seems to be an issue, and I know I’m lucky to stay home with my kids, so I don’t complain. However, its starting to take its toll on me, and the stress is taking its toll on me. Physically and Mentally. I need to realize I’m not superwoman and I can’t do it all alone. (is that possible)

I hope to start making some changes slowly… Does anyone else have that problem??

Monday, August 22, 2011

Outside my window... It is gonna be another rainy day… I was hoping for a cool beautiful day, but guess I will have to wait until later in the week.

I am thinking... As much as I like Summer, I’m looking forward to Fall. I really enjoy the cool weather, the pretty scenery and picking apples.

I am thankful for... Many things, all of which I don’t take the time to appreciate. Think I will make that a new goal.

From the learning rooms... We are embarking on our 4th week. Can you believe that?? 4 weeks almost done. That means 5 more to go, and we will have 2 off. I need to start preparing for our next 9 weeks of school. Photocopying and preparing lessons. So far we are doing awesome. I am just so excited with how well it is all going. As always you can read more about our Homeschool Life Here.

From the kitchen... Not really sure. We are struggling to come up with an idea. Last night we had Sloppy Joes, and that was a hit. Maybe a new casserole tonight. Welcoming any ideas thrown my way!

I am creating... New plans for our next (lacking a word to use here. We can’t call it a semester, or term, or quarter.. so what shall I call it??) 9 weeks. Going to add Art in for this time… and we will see what else.

I am going... to have a fantastic weekend with a friend, relaxing and getting ready to come back and tackle everything that needs to be done. I have a very long list of To-do items to prepare for winter. Anyone wanna help me??

I am reading... I have a stack of books from Diana Palmer, Barbara Delinsky, and Debbie MaComber. Already read 4 in the last 2 days, so I will have them done before the end of the week, I’m sure.

I am hoping... that things calm down around here.. to get some cooperation, and get things done. I’m stressing about winter, cause I’m the only one willing to “REALLY” work.

I am hearing... Monkey Man and daddy do some math.

Around the house... I really need to do the dishes, vacuum the floors, and fold laundry.

One of my favorite things... Days where I remember why I am doing all this… and can sit back and enjoy some of it. Don’t feel like I get many of those anymore.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, Library, Mowing the lawn, garden work, Movies, and a getaway!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My newest photo… I was trying to get a good pic, but it kept flying off. This one isn’t to bad.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

We spent some time at home taking it easy, a few doctors appts, and we enjoyed some great time with friends. So happy to have things getting back to normal.

In our homeschool this week…

We are doing awesome. Seems so weird that most kids will be starting back at PS this week, and we have already going on our 4th week.

The kids are doing great, and we are loving our choices of curriculum this year.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Keep yourself organized. I think this saves me so much time, and keeps me from stressing out.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This week we are going to be staying home for the most part. Maybe one day, we will spend out and about. One last movie at the local theatre. It’s the last week of the Summer Movies.

Time with some friends, and then this weekend… I’m going to spend a day out with one of my best friends.. Can’t wait! Much needed.

My Monkey Man will be in a local parade this next weekend as well with his cub scout pack. To top off the weekend, we will watch the fireworks.

My favorite thing this week was…

Spending the day with my monkeys and my friend and her kids. We always have such a great day. School at the park on a beautiful day, and then we played and had lunch. Love it!

What’s working/not working for us…

History Odyssey is SO working for us! My kids love it, and I love it. We have learned so much, and have such a great time to learn it.

Things I’m working on…

Lists for Christmas, and projects we need to get started for Christmas.

Cleaning up the yard, and preparing for fall.

I’m reading…

More Debbie MaComber & Diana Palmer & Barbara Delinsky Books.

I’m cooking…

Today we are having Sloppy Joes… and I think I’m going to make a Chocolate Zucchini cake. YUM!

I’m grateful for…

The opportunity to spend this much time with my kids. I look at all the parents that are sending their kids off to school, and it breaks my heart that they can’t spend that time with them. So many things they miss out on.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education. - Mark Twain

Friday, August 19, 2011

2. You have to walk around with a word on your forehead. That word describes you. One word. What is it?

Creative 3. What store do you refuse to shop at and why?

Not really any store in particular. I do avoid buying lots of items at certain stores, cause I know they will be more expensive. I am really not a huge fan of Wal-Mart's so I limit my shopping there to once a month or less. (or I send my mom, Lol)

4. If you participated in arranged marriages for your child(ren), who would you choose for your child(ren)?

Oh my… I really don’t know. I’m not sure I could pick a suitable mate for my children. That is such a complex thing. I feel sorry for people who have arranged marriages. Can you imagine having to marry without loving the person you are tied to for the rest of your life? Crazy I say!

5. If you could pick how and when you would die, would you?

No, I don’t want to know when I’m going to die. I think that I would only think about that moment. I want to be able to enjoy my time carefree and full of life, until that day comes, without worries stresses, or hopes.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

1. Using what's in your frig right now what sort of meal would you be able to make for guests who are knocking at the front door this very minute?

Oh my… I hope that nobody is, cause it would be very scary… Maybe a very good garden salad with yummy veggies from the garden..but not so sure I could get much more than that out of it. Maybe some sort of quiche..

2. What is something about yourself that you hope will change but that probably never will?

Being more patient… I really don’t have any lately. As well as learning to let stress go, not let it take over my body. I let stress bother me til I’m physically ill, and that is getting really hard on me.

3. What's something about yourself that you hope will never change?

Having faith in people, no matter how much I get frustrated by them… and being willing to help anyone no matter what. My husband says I’m to nice, but I think it is a great quality. There are not enough of us around anymore.

4. Do you usually send serious or funny greeting cards? Why?

I try to find funny ones, but sometimes I just need to remind someone how much they mean to me. I mean who doesn’t need a good laugh sometimes right??

Plus time is short, I want people to know that I love them, if I don’t get to see them often.

Star gazing… is my first choice… However, shell gathering with my 3 monkeys is a close second.

6. Do you double or triple check things? If so, what?

Yes, I often double check things. Such as locking my house, and car. Or my calendar… cause I can be pretty flighty when I want to be.

7. What's your favorite place for people watching?

Disney was absolutely a great place for people watching! Not sure I have a Favorite place for it… you can really people watch in lots of places.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Can’t believe we are almost saying goodbye to August already. Wow, where did the month go? I really need to get a start on my Christmas shopping. (I’m seriously behind) I’m usually done by now, and I haven’t even started this year. UGH!

Plus I have a birthday coming up for my Middle Monkey. Can’t believe she will be 8 soon.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

That’s right you guessed it, the fair is in town! Being that we are in 4H this year, we were anxious to visit and see how well our group placed on the Educational Display. Plus my mother & I had put in some photo’s to be judged this year, and the suspense was killing me to know if I placed.

We decided to go the first day.. but I had to wait for my mom to meet me there. Why? We promised each other we would wait until we checked out if we placed.

Unfortunately, I did not place with any of my photo’s. I was a bit disappointed, but finally did something I had been wanting to do for years. Now, I can start preparing for next year! Lol.. In one of the categories the first place person was a friend of mine, from over at The Berry Patch. She placed first with an amazing picture of a Bald Eagle.

My mom did place 2nd with a painting that she put in though. I am so proud of her, and now she can see that everyone else thinks she is as good as I know she is.

After checking out the exhibit halls, we headed over to meet a friend. The kids checked out the elephants, tigers, and the other animals. Here are a few pictures of the animals we saw.

Then the kids wanted to see the magic show. It was rather funny, and two of my monkey’s got picked to go up and be the assitant. They also ended up with a ton of ballon animals and such. It was really cute to watch.

After that we got a bit of a scare with Little Monkey’s Eye, so we had to make a trip to the ER. She is ok, and we are sighing a sigh of relief.

On our way home from the hospital we saw the fireworks being put off from the fair. All and all it was a great day out with the family. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

A few days later, we went back to the fair.. to participate in a 4H parade around the horse track. The kids were super exciting for this. Here are a couple pictures from that.

Little Monkey had to ride in the truck cause of her eye (didn’t want dust in it)

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About Me

I'm a SAHM of 3 full of life kids... I am a OCD anxiety driven, Pinterest Addicted crazy lady sometimes, a taxi cab, chef, accountant, housekeeper, teacher (we homeschool) all rolled into one!

A country girl with a twinge of city girl trying to poke her way through. Trying to learn how to run my small homestead, and be self reliant. While spending days with my kids teaching them to be the amazing caring people this world needs.

Here you will find stories of life with my Crazy Monkeys. Along with our Homeschooling journey, and product reviews.

I'm always open to doing product reviews for companies. Who knows what mom's want to use, better than MOM'S??? If anyone would like me to do a review for them, you can contact me atthe3kidsandme(at)yahoo(dot) com.